The Nebraska Legislature heard testimony on Senator Tom Brewer’s bill, LB 235 which is approved would revive a state meat inspection program and help out small meat processors. Nebraska Cattlemen Association President- Elect Brenda Masek and other ag groups testified in favor of it.

She says passage of LB 235 would give cattle producers another tool in their tool box for getting their product out to consumers.

Nebraska State Agriculture Director Steve Wellman spoke in opposition to the bill. Masek says that was disappointing and that it appeared the Ag Department’s concern is centered on costs.

Wellman told the committee that LB 235 would duplicate the current federal USDA inspection program, cost $3 million a year and have little positive impacts for livestock producers.